Colts remain in control of AFC South, beat Raiders

The Indianapolis Colts are one win away from another AFC South title, as their 31-26 win over the Raiders keeps them in the division driver’s seat heading into Week 17.

So for the season finale, it’s simple: If the Colts win or tie at home against the Titans next week (or if the Jaguars lose or tie at Houston), Indianapolis wins the division.

For the Colts, today’s win wasn’t easy, just as this season hasn’t been easy. As most Colts opponents have this year, the Raiders won the special teams battle: Jacoby Ford returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown for the Raiders, and Sebastian Janikowski had field goals of 59, 38, 54 and 45 yards.

Peyton Manning struggled for much of the game, throwing two interceptions and completing just 16 of 30 passes for 179 yards. But Manning threw three interceptions, and he sealed the win with one of the best runs of his NFL career, a 27-yarder on which he had a clear path to the end zone but decided to slide, making a strategically smart play that surely angered many of his fantasy owners.

The AFC South couldn’t be won or lost this week, as the Jaguars could still win the division if they win and the Colts lose in Week 17. But the Colts are in command, and looking ready to make the playoffs for the ninth straight year.

There’s no excuse in the world for McFadden to only get 11 carries, none.

JakeDSnake says:Dec 26, 2010 7:54 PM

DHB had 40 yards receiving and the Raiders still lost? Inconceivable!
But DHB will need to step it up next week to the tune of 50 receiving yards, so he can finish his second season with 500 career receiving yards.

Gotta say congrats to the Chiefs. You handled your business, we didnt. See you next week at Arrowhead, all for pride and rivalry, now. Surprised Chargers lost at Cincy. We had too many penalties, and couldnt run consistently to beat the Colts.

“Peyton Manning struggled for much of the game, throwing two interceptions and completing just 16 of 30 passes for 179 yards. But Manning threw three interceptions…..”

Ummm, you mean 3 touchdowns??? Do you guys need a proofreader? I work for beer!

hcgraves says:Dec 26, 2010 8:05 PM

Indy running the ball and stopping the run. Reminds me of 2006 the Super Bowl year. Could be a dangerous team in the playoffs.

guyraider48 says:Dec 26, 2010 8:23 PM

yes the colts won but our o-line was not going to hold up well against freeney and mathis. The playcalling was susupect and was surprised we did not go for some of the 4th downs inorder to keep the colts off the field. I was not surprised of loss but a game the raiders could have won. Big rich out really hurt the d-line, the PI call on CJ was BS( he was looking and playing the ball and does not get called at least 50% of the time), and we did not play to win.

The Colts beat the Ravens EVERY time they play them and would this year as well.

They would also beat the Jets in Lucas Oil Stadium no way Sanchez can produce enough offense if Indy keeps playing the run like they have been.

The Pats and Steelers in the weather are entirely different obstacles and certainly uphill battles.

8man says:Dec 26, 2010 8:39 PM

…and remain on course to host the Ravens or the Jets.

profootballwalk says:Dec 26, 2010 8:43 PM

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Peyton Manning and the entire Colts organization: That Raider’s first round draft choice just jumped up a couple of spots.

Signed
Bill B.

guyraider48 says:Dec 26, 2010 8:49 PM

the chargers choking in cincy is poetic justice. The chiefs did take care of business and we did not–playing for 6-0 divison record and not making the playoffs would be a raider move!!! I am proud of this year and our record but losing the games to Ariz and jacksonville regretable, the SF game pathetic!!! it still turns my stomach that we lost to that team!! Well maybe next year!!!!

It’s funny how so many “so-called” football experts continue to say the Colts have no chance. For example, Mike Ditka said today it was going to be a “slaughter” by the Raiders. He also thought earlier this year that this was a rebuilding year for the Pats. Johnson and Ditka have no clue how to assess and analyze teams. I’m thankful that Tom Jackson, Anthony Carter, and Boomer are there to cover football intelligently.

jgrange says:Dec 26, 2010 9:07 PM

Raiders tried to play a game that was not their usual style. Awful playcalling and too much reliance on the offensive line to protect Campbell. Also, the penalties backing them up didn’t help but there is no excuse as for why McFadden touched the ball less than 15 times this game. There’s no excuse for why the Raiders only ran 4 or 5 plays up the middle or use more screens to offset the Colts great DEs.

harrisonhits2 says:Dec 26, 2010 9:12 PM

Seems unlikely that the Titans will develop a spine just in time to ruin the Colts season and knock them out of the playoffs.

Poor effort by Oakland. They didn’t attack on either side of the ball.

8man says:Dec 26, 2010 9:54 PM

@footballcoach17:

So true. This Colts team is largely the same team that won the AFC last year, minus the injuries. Which is why they’ve struggled this year. But, they are playoff bound. And anyone saying the Colts have no chance while Peyton Manning is playing is foolish. They are going to get in, so woe be unto any team that doesn’t see them as the legitimate threat they are.

@profootballwalk:

Oh yeah! That is a good thing. That being said, I’m hoping there is more for the Patriots to talk about than the draft as this season progresses. One at a time, and the next two are at home, with a third looming…

He heard how awesome people thought Tom Brady was and after Tom threw 3 picks against the Ravens last year to destroy his teams season Peyton tried to match.

leftysmoke says:Dec 27, 2010 12:58 AM

Once again, the Colts prove everyone wrong. Manning had a good day but we could have been better. Our D was absolutely dominating and the running game showed up AGAIN. If it wasn’t for the Raiders ST, this would have been a blow out.

Three down. Five to go!

GO COLTS!!!

raiders4life says:Dec 27, 2010 1:49 AM

Imagine Peyton Manning QB’ing the Raiders. Oakland would’ve clinched their division weeks ago and would be one of the top-tiered teams in the league. When will the Raiders ever find their franchise QB? Still waiting…..

joetoronto says:Dec 27, 2010 5:55 AM

leftysmoke says: Dec 27, 2010 12:58 AM

Once again, the Colts prove everyone wrong. Manning had a good day but we could have been better. Our D was absolutely dominating and the running game showed up AGAIN. If it wasn’t for the Raiders ST, this would have been a blow out.

Three down. Five to go!

GO COLTS!!!
*******************************************************
You really should get a TV, lefty, so you could watch the games.

Hue Jackson needs his head examined…. RUN THE DAMN BALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You have THE best RB tandem in football and you pass on all 3 downs OR get into third & long, then throw a short pass…. WTF!!

Bottom line, you must run the ball when you know you wont (better yet CANT) give your QB time to throw the ball!!

Come on Hue, WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!!

Win, lose or tie, RAIDERS til I DIE!

cantarguefacts says:Dec 27, 2010 11:27 PM

@JoeToronto

The Colts dominated that game. It was not some kind of superior dominance, but it was clear who was in charge of that game. Manning threw 2 INTs, and if you look at the second one, it wasnt his fault. He played a good game, but not great by any means. The Raiders offense had 7 three and outs, thats nuts and a great job by the Colts D. Dumb play calling put the Raiders in a bad position but the Colts controlled the game really from after that opening kickoff until the end. The Raiders didnt show up to a game that they could have won. But the Colts D showed up and had some pride on the road, which you dont see much.

leftysmoke says:Dec 28, 2010 8:32 PM

You really should get a TV, lefty, so you could watch the games.

Manning did not have a good day, he DID make some plays though.

By the way, the Raiders scored one TD on ST’s.

You really should get a TV.

—————–

Apparently you need to get a clue about football. Janikowski kicked five FGs, made four AND Ford had a return TD… Is that not STs? Manning did have a good day. Not extraordinary, but he did throw for 3 TDs… You must be a Raiders fan.

joetoronto says:Dec 29, 2010 7:21 AM

leftysmoke says: Dec 28, 2010 8:32 PM

You really should get a TV, lefty, so you could watch the games.

Manning did not have a good day, he DID make some plays though.

By the way, the Raiders scored one TD on ST’s.

You really should get a TV.

—————–

Apparently you need to get a clue about football. Janikowski kicked five FGs, made four AND Ford had a return TD… Is that not STs? Manning did have a good day. Not extraordinary, but he did throw for 3 TDs… You must be a Raiders fan.
*******************************************************3TD’s and 2 INT’s, lefty.